The latest on California politics and government

August 1, 2012

Lobby firm revenue for the first half of the year is down ever so slightly compared to the same period last year, with Sacramento firms taking in $85.5 million so far this year.

The firm bringing in the most money during the first half of 2012 is Lang Hansen O'Malley Miller, according to the latest reports from the Secretary of State's Office.

Joseph Lang's company picked up several new clients in recent months, including the American Council of Life Insurers, Pacific Ag Management and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (part of the AFL-CIO).

Filings show the firm earned substantial fees and retainers during the second quarter from horse racing tracks, a group that promotes the use of flame retardants, the Altria cigarette company and Education Management Corp., which runs several for-profit colleges.

Here's a look at revenues from the 20 lobbying firms that have brought in the most money so far this year. Click on the blue bars for details:

And here's a look at total lobby firm revenues for the first two quarters over the last eight years. Click on the red dots for details:

Editor's note: This post was updated on Friday Aug. 3, 2012, with data for individual firms from the first half of 2012.